Homeowners insurance is the insurance type that covers a 15-year-old roof, but we often see that people encounter challenges with their insurance company when it concerns a 15-year-old roof.
The older your roof, the more reason why your insurance company will not want to cover its insurance. After all, such roofs are almost at the end of their lifecycle and will likely always have issues. And, insurance companies always have their interest at heart. So, they will not want to incur much expense.
However, you can also see insurance companies that do not mind adding insurance coverage for a 15-year-old roof under their homeowners’ insurance coverage package. However, allow us to give you heads up and tell you that it would come with a clause.
You will realize that there are some cases where no insurance company will bear the cost of repairs or replacement even if they cover your 15-year-old roof. Yes, they might have coverage of a 15-year-old roof amongst their package. But if damages happen under certain situations, they will not bear the cost.
This article will discuss when the insurance company will bear the cost for the damages on a 15-year-old roof during its homeowners’ insurance package and situations where it would not.
Cases When The Insurance Company Will Bear The Cost
Typically, we see that insurance companies usually bear the cost when natural disasters happen. In such a situation, they know that it was beyond your control. Also, there is the understanding that such natural disasters can affect any roof, irrespective of the roofs’ age. So, they do not mind bearing the cost of damage or repairs in such cases.
It could be that the natural disaster affected the roof by taking it off. In such a case, the insurance company would bear the repair cost. Or, it could be that the natural disaster has put a hole in the middle of the roof, and it cannot be repaired. Therefore, you need to replace the roof, and the insurance company will bear the cost.
Some acceptable natural disasters that could happen that makes the insurance company cover the cost of repairs for a 15-year-old roof are:
Hailstorm
Suppose you stay in a place where a hailstorm happens. Of course, no one wants to experience hailstorms, but no one can control when it happens. And, everyone would agree that hailstorms can cause damages to roofs as it refers to the raining down of ice pellets. Such a situation can put holes in the roof, leading to damage. In such a case, the insurance company will cover the repair cost, even if it is a 15-year-old roof. Yes, the age of the roof does not matter in this case. What matters is that you have a homeowners’ insurance plan, and they have to bear the cost according to the agreement.
Hurricane
There can also be the case of a hurricane, a storm that comes with violent wind. Typically, people are always looking for shelter during hurricanes, and you can be sure that it can also affect roofs. We often see that hurricanes detach roofs from their houses. But if you have a homeowners’ insurance plan, you will not panic in such a situation as you know that your insurance company has you covered. After all, the hurricane was a natural disaster, and no one had control over it. Therefore, they have to come through and help with the cost of repairs or replacement.
Earthquakes
The force of earthquakes can even bring down houses. So, you know that it can also affect roofs, and the insurance company is aware. It is why earthquakes classify as one of the natural disasters that could happen to a roof, and the insurance company will bear the cost of repairs or replacement. So, if you have a homeowners’ insurance plan with any insurance company, you do not need to have any worries if an earthquake affects your home. Yes, even if you have a 15-year-old roof, it is covered under your insurance package since it was affected by a natural disaster.
In What Cases Will Insurance Not Cover A 15-Year-Old Roof?
Insurance will not cover a 15-year-old roof when it is affected by man-made issues. For example, if your roof gets damaged due to wear and tear or neglect, the insurance company will refuse to bear the cost.
Neglect: It should be common knowledge that people need to care for their roofs, and there are many ways to go about it. However, that is not the focus of this article. Sadly, we see that people always forget to care for their roofs, and it can stay for years without them indulging in actions that care for the roofs. In such a case, we can say that they are neglecting their roofs, and it would cause issues. Thus, if anything happens to the roof because of neglect, the insurance company will not cover the cost. Instead, any repair or replacement cost will be from your pocket.
Wear And Tear: Again, it should be common knowledge that wear and tear would affect a roof, especially a 15-year-old roof. So, you need to always care for your roof. However, if your roof gets damaged due to wear and tear, it is not a part of the cost that the insurance company would bear.
Cost Of Homeowners Insurance Plans In The USA
Understandably, many people desire to get homeowners insurance plans for diverse reasons, including ensuring their 15-year-old roof. However, the price differs based on insurance companies and states.
But, here is a table showing what to budget for homeowners’ insurance plans in some US States.
| US State | Amount (Annually) |
| Florida | $2200 |
| Texas | $1850 |
| Hawaii | $500 |
| Washington | $900 |
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions:
Do Insurance Companies Insure Old Roofs?
Most insurance companies do not like to insure old roofs because they are prone to different issues. It is why the insurance companies that insure old roofs come with a clause that the insurance coverage will not hold if the damage is due to neglect or wear and tear.
Does The Age Of Your Roof Affect Insurance Rates?
Yes, the age of the roof affects insurance rates. Older roofs usually have higher risks. So, it would cost more.
What Kind Of Roof Damage Is Covered By Insurance?
Roof damages caused by natural disasters are the type of roof damages covered by insurance.
Conclusion
Even though many insurance companies do not like covering old roofs, you can get a company that doesn’t mind covering a 15-year-old roof under their homeowners’ insurance plan.
However, it is always important to note that the roof damages covered by insurance are the damages caused by natural disasters.
Sources
2021 UPDATE***Can you Insure a 15-Year-Old Roof in Florida?
Buying a home with a roof over 15 years old? Heads up.
When it comes to your roof, age matters at claim time